Ecclesiastes 5:7

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For in the multitude of dreams and many words [there are] also [divers] vanities: but fear thou God.

Complete Jewish Bible:

For [this is what happens when there are too] many dreams, aimless activities and words. Instead, just fear God!

Berean Standard Bible:

For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.

American Standard Version:

For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, and in many words: but fear thou God.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For in the multitude^{H7230} of dreams^{H2472} and many^{H7235} words^{H1697} there are also divers vanities^{H1892}: but fear^{H3372} thou God^{H430}.

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Commentary for Ecclesiastes 5:7

Ecclesiastes 5:7 is a verse from the Wisdom Literature of the Hebrew Bible, traditionally ascribed to King Solomon. The book of Ecclesiastes explores the meaning of life and the best way to live, often questioning the value of human pursuits under the sun. The verse reflects the theme of the futility of human endeavors and the importance of reverence for God amidst life's uncertainties.

In the historical context, the Israelites were grappling with the complexities of life, including the pursuit of wisdom, the reality of injustice, and the search for meaning within a society that was increasingly influenced by foreign cultures and ideas. The verse cautions against the empty promises of dreams and the deceptive allure of eloquent speech, suggesting that many aspirations and philosophies are fleeting and ultimately meaningless.

The text specifically admonishes that in the abundance of dreams and words, there lies a multitude of vanities—empty, worthless, or deceptive pursuits. The phrase "many words" may imply the excessive or meaningless talk that can distract from true wisdom and righteous living. In contrast, the verse emphasizes the enduring importance of fearing God, which in biblical terms means having a deep reverence and respect for God's authority, commandments, and divine will. This fear of God is presented as an anchor that provides genuine understanding and a proper perspective on life's fleeting and often illusory pursuits.

In summary, Ecclesiastes 5:7 encapsulates the book's broader themes of the vanity of human pursuits and the paramount importance of a God-centered life. It calls for discernment in the face of life's many distractions and encourages a focus on the divine as the source of true wisdom and meaning.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7230
   There are 149 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רֹב
   Transliteration: rôb
   Pronunciation: robe
   Description: from רָבַב; abundance (in any respect); abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age).
   
2. Strong's Number: H2472
   There are 55 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חֲלוֹם
   Transliteration: chălôwm
   Pronunciation: khal-ome'
   Description: or (shortened) חֲלֹם; from חָלַם; a dream; dream(-er).
   
3. Strong's Number: H7235
   There are 211 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָבָה
   Transliteration: râbâh
   Pronunciation: raw-baw'
   Description: a primitive root; to increase (in whatever respect); (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for רָבַב), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very.
   
4. Strong's Number: H1697
   There are 1290 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָּבָר
   Transliteration: dâbâr
   Pronunciation: daw-baw'
   Description: from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work.
   
5. Strong's Number: H1892
   There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: הֶבֶל
   Transliteration: hebel
   Pronunciation: heh'bel
   Description: or (rarely in the abs.) הֲבֵל; from הָבַל; emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb; [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity.
   
6. Strong's Number: H3372
   There are 305 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָרֵא
   Transliteration: yârêʼ
   Pronunciation: yaw-ray'
   Description: a primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten; affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing).
   
7. Strong's Number: H430
   There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
   Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
   Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
   Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty.